You've Come A Long Way Wilt

Wilt is ready for the next step in his life...Forever home.  He passed his test on his basic commands and will be ready to graduate on Thursday.  Yay Wilt!  His trainer had no doubt he would do great.  He hopes to hear how Wilt does after he gets settled in his new home.

This last week has been spent in quiet reflection on just how far Wilt has come from the dog that walked into his trainer's life 9 weeks ago.  Wilt was supposed to be the student, but his trainer found himself learning just as much from Wilt as Wilt did from him.  He thinks Wilt senses his time at the prison is short and has been extra loving lately.  Wilt's inmate trainer is happy to know he is going to a home that will give him the love and attention he deserves. 

Very Special Greyhound

As Wilt's inmate trainers count down the days until they part ways, they think about the bond that they made with Wilt and know if will last a lifetime.  He's a very special greyhound. 

Wilt will do all of his commands without treats.  His trainers are so proud of him.  Wilt has come a long way since arriving at the prison.  He has turned into a well behaved gentlemen that loves everyone he meets.  Whoever adopts Wilt is going to get a one-of-a-kind amazing dog.  His inmate trainers will never forget him, and are very happy knowing he is going to his forever home that will give him all the love he deserves.

Squeaky Toys Anonymous

This past week with Wilt has been spent working on extras that will come in handy in his forever home after he leaves the prison.  The first is "speak".  "Speak" seems to compliment his fun, outgoing personality.  After all, Wilt has an opinion on everything, so his inmate trainer felt he needed a voice to express himself as he sees fit.  LOL

"Visit" was also introduced.  Wilt loves to go up to people for some lovin', so instead of getting it for free, he now has to place his paw gently into your lap while laying his head down, so you may bestow petting/loving upon his highness.

Lastly Wilt's inmate trainer has worked on improving the "give" command.  "Give" has become a priority in his training, due to his new found addiction to chasing squeaky toys.  If there is a support group for squeaky toys, his inmate trainer recommends at least two sessions a day for Wilt.  LOL

Wilt's inmate trainer said Wilt is hands down, one of the best dogs he has ever known and he will never forget his time there together.

Wilt The Entertainer

Wilt continues to be a high source of entertainment at the prison.  He appears to live life to the fullest each day.  He is always prancing around everywhere he goes when he is spreading the love around the dorm.  He loves to lay on his back and be a lazy greyhound.

This past week in a kind, generous, spontaneous gesture of friendship, Wilt looked up into his trainer's eyes and placed one paw on his lap.  His trainer's heart just melted.  This all started the introduction of the command "lap".  This is where Wilt will place his paws in your lap and look at you using his cute face to pry whatever goodies you have to offer him, even if it's just a simple petting.   He is slowly getting the hang of it.  This guy has the "cute look" down, and he knows the way into your heart.  It's very hard to resist Wiltthestilt.

Mr. Lovable

Wilt has gone from being quite and calm to having relentless curiosity about everything and everyone around him.  When allowed to roam free he will wear himself out exploring smells and saying hi to everyone.  His inmate trainer says there is no middle ground with Wilt he’s either up exploring everything or doing his best to be a 70lb lap dog.  He says that he’s never seen a dog so content to be loved on as Wilt is.  Wilt is happiest lying next to you getting his belly or chin rubbed.  

Training wise Wilt is doing great!  He passed his Friday progress training test without a flaw making his inmate trainer very proud.  

Hunting Squeaky Toys

As Wilt begins to get comfortable and really letting his fur down you discover that he is the quintessential Greyhound.  He’s very loving and happy to just lie around and be your best friend.

Wilt has found a new love for things that squeak.  When he hears a squeak he immediately begins to pant with excitement that sounds like mad laughter!  Then it’s off to find that squeaker!  His inmate trainer says that what’s so funny is that when Wilt finds the squeaker he decides that, nope that’s not the one he’s looking for and becomes thoroughly engrossed in the thrill of the hunt! 

Wilt’s inmate trainer is using toys to help with training the “sit” command.  Wilt has to sit before he gets to play with a toy.  They’ve also worked the “give” command into the play routine and Wilt gives up the toy with minimal fuss.  Wilt is also doing great with stairs!  He refuses to be denied access to any place by something silly like steps! Wilt’s inmate trainer says that Wilt is not merely a wonderful dog, he sets a whole new standard! 

Laid Back With A Bit Of Fun Loving

Wilt’s inmate trainer says that most of the time Wilt is a laid back easy going guy, but every now and then he’ll break out into a toy tossing goofball!  Wilt hasn’t met a dog or person he doesn’t like!  He seems to be like a college student balancing his time between his studies and having fun then crashing for a nap on any surface that seems comfortable.  

Training wise Wilt is doing great!  He can do all of his basic commands and has no problems going up and down stairs.  His inmate trainer plans to polish up Wilt’s response time to basic commands and start adding in a few extras.  

Wilts inmate trainer says that Wilt is the kind of dog C.S. Lewis was talking about when he said, “Man with a dog closes a gap in the universe.”  

Taking Retirement Seriously

Wilt has a gentleness that will and does win everyone over.  He takes retirement seriously and loves lying around.  He doesn’t mind sharing his bed with other dogs and seems to prefer it. Training wise he is not a big fan of “sitting” or “downing” yet, but his cute ears perk up with excitement when you ask him something simple like “heel” or “bed”.  His inmate trainer says that with Wilt’s calm and gentle nature he feels like it is best to let Wilt set the pace so his training is fun.  

The only time Wilt gets excited is when it’s time to exercise in the big yard.  He will begin prancing around and high stepping in anticipation of running wild and free. His inmate trainer says that it’s highly enduring and super cute.  Wilt is a very sweet and loving dog who is going to make someone very happy.  

Winning The World Over

When Wilt first walked through the door his inmate trainer thought that Wilt should be featured on the cover of GQ Magazine modeling the latest in Greyhound fashion. After his first bath he had all the shine and polish of someone you’d picture working as a successful businessman in some fancy high-rise downtown, but with an underlying wild side.  His inmate trainer says that he’d be willing to bet that when the sun goes down Wilt sheds his suit to let his fur fly in some secret underground racing circuit where it is rumored that some retried racers to go relive the good ole days.  

Wilt's first few days at the prison were spent adjusting to the new environment, bonding with his inmate trainer, and discovering what motivates Wilt in training. So far Wilt seems to be motivated by praise the most.  He will nudge his nose into your hand so that you can scratch behind his ears and give him the love he knows he deserves.  

They’ve tried toys, but so far Wilt’s philosophy for the moment is if an object squeaks, said object is to be given a wide berth and not looked at… at all… EVER.  

It’s only been a few days, but Wilt’s sweet loving personality has already won his inmate trainer over and he is looking forward to seeing what the coming weeks hold.